Response: ‘why I love being a black man’

Earlier this week, we published the story of Orville Lloyd Douglas, a black man living in Toronto. Douglas wrote a very bold and candid post about why he hated being a black man.

Douglas credits experiences with stereotypes and racism for much of his self-hate, but also talks about the issue being treated as taboo in the black community. Most of you who shared your thoughts on our social media posts contended that the brother needed help.

In response to Douglas’ article, a gentleman by the name of David Swerdlick wrote an article, “Why I love Being A Black Man.”

I love that there’s not just one way to be a black man. And while Douglas laments what he perceives as a lack of commonality with black men who enjoy sports and rap music—and his (perhaps) atypical affinity for PJ Harvey—he should know that I’m listening to Harvey’s Dryalbum right now, while I’m writing this, and that it’s completely OK.

While Swerdlick’s post mostly highlights the many things that he loves about being a black man, he also admits that it isn’t a walk in the park. “So do I hate anything about being black? Yes. I hate that even in 2013, there are apparently still quite a few commuters who ride the Toronto subway, every day, but won’t sit down next to Orville Lloyd Douglas.”

The main point that Swedlick drives home is that most of being a black man depends on how “we see ourselves.”

Thoughts on Serdlick’s response?

What can we do to address the issue of self hate in the black community?

Sound off below!

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The Black Youth Project is a platform that highlights the voices and ideas of Black millennials. Through knowledge, voice, and action, we work to empower and uplift the lived experiences of young Black Americans today.